Saracens were fully entitled to bemoan their bad luck and the injustice of the video ref chipping in when he saw fit to their detriment. The TMO’s role needs urgent clarification.

But that should not detract from either Saints’ glory moment or Hartley’s moment of redemption, welcomed nowhere more than in New Zealand, where England’s management confirmed he will now join the three-Test tour.

“Dylan seemed to come through fine and he’ll definitely be on the plane as he’s an experienced player for us,” said Stuart Lancaster.

England’s head coach offered no guarantees that his first-choice hooker and most ­experienced player will start the second Test on Saturday week. But it is hard now to imagine otherwise.

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“That was a good warm-up,” Hartley confirmed. “In terms of ­ intensity, you can’t replicate Test rugby, but if I was going to be prepared, this was the perfect preparation. I have had my medical checks and I am clear.”

Saints, who fell behind three times before Waller’s last-gasp rescue mission, have waited since 1880 to become kings of the English game.

Stephen Myler, sacrificing a full England debut next Saturday to play in the final, did not miss a kick and was named man of the match. Ken Pisi was also prominent. But Courtney Lawes was the outstanding contributor.

He knew, as did every one of his team-mates, that the time had come for Northampton to deliver the big one. That there could be no more excuses.

“The pressure we put on ourselves...” said Hartley, his words tailing off as his mind trawled through nine months of training sessions and road trips.

“We talked about being champions every Monday of the year and how we were going to get there. This makes it all worthwhile.”